Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star kicker, has just secured a spot in the NFL history books with a new, record-breaking contract. The 29-year-old has inked a contract extension deal worth $25.6 million over four years which includes $17.75 million dollars in guaranteed money. This new contract makes him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
Harrison Butker’s journey to this historic deal has been marked by consistent excellence since joining the Chiefs in 2017. After being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, Harrison Butker found his home in Kansas City after getting signed off of the Panthers practice squad. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the most reliable kickers in the league. His career field goal percentage stands at an impressive 89.1%, which ranks among the top in NFL history. Harrison Butker has also been a clutch performer in high-pressure situations, nailing game-winning kicks that have propelled the Chiefs to some of their biggest victories, including a crucial 45-yard field goal in the 2022 AFC Championship Game.
Beyond his accuracy, Harrison Butker has proven to be a consistent scorer. He’s scored 150 points in a single season, and has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ special teams unit, which is regarded as one of the best in the league. With over 900 points scored in his career, Harrison Butker has already etched his name in the Chiefs’ record books, and his new contract ensures that he will continue to add to that legacy.
However, Harrison Butker’s on-field accomplishments have recently been overshadowed by a controversy stemming from comments he made during a commencement speech at Benedictine College, his alma mater. In May 2024, Harrison Butker was invited to address the graduating class, a moment that should have been a celebration of his success and the values instilled in him by the institution. Instead, his speech sparked a firestorm of criticism.
During the speech, Harrison Butker emphasized the importance of traditional gender roles and marriage, remarks that many perceived as sexist and anti-LGBTQ. He advised graduates to embrace “traditional family values,” and his comments about the role of women and the sanctity of marriage were quickly condemned by advocacy groups and social media users. The backlash was swift and fierce, with many calling Harrison Butker’s remarks out of touch and harmful.
In response to the controversy, Harrison Butker doubled down on his stance, stating in interviews that he stands by his beliefs and encouraging others to “speak their truth.” He expressed disappointment that his speech was misunderstood, but did not retract his statements. Instead, Harrison Butker framed the backlash as an example of the challenges faced by those who hold traditional values in today’s society.
Despite the controversy, the Kansas City Chiefs have shown unwavering support for their kicker. The organization’s decision to offer Butker a record-setting contract speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities and their willingness to stand by him in the face of public scrutiny. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Harrison Butker is more than just a kicker; he is a key player whose contributions have been instrumental to the team’s success, including their Super Bowl LIV victory.
As Harrison Butker enters the prime of his career, his new contract shows how valuable he is to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it also places him under a new level of scrutiny, not just for his performance on the field but for his actions and statements off it. How Harrison Butker navigates this dual pressure will be watched closely by both fans and critics alike. As the Kansas City Chiefs look to continue their dominance in the NFL, all eyes will be on Harrison Butker to see if he can rise to the occasion and justify his place as the league’s highest-paid kicker.
Harrison Butker, Chiefs Agree to $25.6M Contract to Be Top-Paid Kicker